What If Nothing Changes But You Do - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - February 25, 2026
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV).
This past week, I planned to visit my good friend, Tanner Olson, at the Scatter the Joy Project in Columbus, Ohio. When my husband came down with a bad cold, however, I started to panic. Not only do I have generalized anxiety, but I have horrible night driving anxiety, especially in a busy place like Columbus. From highways to traffic and wrecks, just seeing the six-lane highways stresses me out. Can you relate?
By the halfway point of the week, I was determined to find a solution. I knew I'd be too frightened to drive alone, but if I could find a friend who was okay with driving in the dark, I'd be set. So, that's what I set out to find: a friend who could drive us. What did I find instead? A new friend with night driving anxiety, just like me. God has a sense of humor, so let me explain.
Earlier in the week, a girl from my church reached out about hanging out. We had mutual friends, and we shared our lives over hot tea and coffee on Monday afternoon. By Friday, we were best friends, driving to Columbus, choosing to face our fears and let God handle the rest. Again, God is funny, right?
Making the drive to Columbus wasn't easy. We were both still anxious. But by the time we reached the event, my friend shared that when she was praying about whether to come with me, she felt the Lord say, "Change your perspective." Immediately, I felt a gut-punch. This friend wasn't just a new friend to me, but she was a new Christian, and here she was teaching me!
Sometimes, our circumstances change from good to bad overnight. The problems disappear, and we move on. But more often than not, God changes us in those circumstances. My friend and I still had to drive in the dark to this event. Yes, we drove the back way, and yes, we both still have anxiety. Yet together, and by changing our perspective, the Lord helped us get there safely and back again.
I don't know what battles or anxieties you're facing today, but I do know that sometimes, we all need a change in perspective. And I get it. When nothing changes, our heavy circumstances can frustrate us. We're disappointed, feel stuck, and even controlled by our greatest fears. But 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us that God doesn't ask us to ignore pain, rather to see it differently.
This week, please refresh your perspective. Not by pretending everything is good when it isn't, but by expanding your meaning beyond the pain. Notice God's nearness, not just the problem. Sense the shift and embrace it. Allow hope to breathe again. Then, ask God what He might be doing that you can't yet see.
Is it conquering a fear? Having a difficult conversation? Confessing a struggle? Whatever it is, try to reframe the situation. Name the truth and the battle, because two things can be true at once. Sometimes, we need a little help to change our perspective.
As C.S. Lewis, the great British writer and author of the Chronicles of Narnia, often quoted: "Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?" And isn't that the truth? Will you allow God to change your heart over time, or stay stuck in the same patterns? Will you see with a new vision, or remain stuck in your circumstances because you refuse to see through them? Life is often about getting through what we're going through, not avoiding or getting around it.
Prayer
Dear God, where have I been stuck in a way of seeing things? What would it look like to invite you into my circumstances, not just the outcomes? As I honestly answer these questions, help me to see with your vision. Give me a new perspective, and the courage to embrace it. I ask for your hope and love to surround me today as I learn not to lose heart. I love you, Jesus. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Justin Paget
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
